This was an unplanned international trip (am I right? haha) with minimal preparation. (Normally, we plan our trips well in advance, even years ahead, to snag cheap flights and accommodations. Hehe.)

Due to the four-day holiday from October 20-23, 2018 (including one day of vacation leave), I was wondering where to go to escape the sweltering heat. When I saw the long weekend, I couldn't help but laugh.

Two of our members are going to travel to Australia and Japan during the end of the year. Their lives are so good. I look back at myself and feel sad. I have to keep saving money. Let's do it!

Seeking an excuse to embark on a pre-holiday adventure, we rallied our friends and settled on Vang Vieng, a destination that had long piqued our collective interest. With three eager participants, we embraced the spontaneity, recognizing that Vang Vieng's allure had captivated countless travelers before us.

On September 29th, 2018, I booked a return flight from Udon Thani to Don Mueang. I wanted to make the return journey more comfortable, even if it meant spending more money. Taking a bus back would have added another day to the trip, making it a total of five days. I decided to pay a bit more for the flight to save myself a day and get an extra night in Bangkok.

30 October 2018 (I was with friends in Kanchanaburi) so we helped each other find accommodation for the first 2 nights, something inexpensive. Because on the first day, we arrived in the evening and just wanted to sleep, and the next day was full of activities. For the 3rd night, we wanted something a bit more expensive, with a nice view. We'll talk about the accommodation later.

The return ticket and accommodation are booked. I'm relieved, but you made a big mistake. During the long holiday weekend, Vang Vieng is usually crowded with Thai tourists. Therefore, the bus tickets from Udon Thani to Vang Vieng (which can be booked 60 days in advance at 1490) are full!

It's a shame that the bus is full, especially considering its affordability (320 baht) and comfort. It's a direct route to Vang Vieng, eliminating the need for transfers. However, with only one trip per day, it's understandable that it fills up quickly. As an alternative, connecting in Udon Thani for a bus to Vientiane is always an option.

My friend urged me to book a bus ticket from Bangkok to Udon Thani. Oh my god, the tickets are sold out! This is even worse than before. Even if there are tickets available, the timing is not suitable. Damn it... I quickly checked the train ticket price to Nong Khai. The first class is also sold out, only the third class is left. No way, it will definitely be a bumpy ride. T_T

I need to find a flight ticket, but it's expensive. The cost is already high. What should I do? Then I remembered that I had been to Vientiane before. How could I forget? From Udon Thani, I have to go to Nong Khai anyway. So I'll just buy a bus ticket to Nong Khai.

However, the good tour buses (Nakhonnayokchai, Sombat Tour) were also fully booked. What the heck! T_T So I ended up at the 999 bus terminal. Let's see how it goes. I'm excited! I've never taken this bus before.

19/10/61 Took a 2-hour leave of absence. Took a boat from home to BTS Bang Wa (to avoid traffic congestion).

Traveling to Mo Chit during long holidays, it is advisable to book tickets in advance and allow ample travel time. The journey can be unpredictable, with a high risk of missing the bus.

Get off at Mo Chit station, quickly take a motorbike taxi for 60 baht. >>>> I made it! I won't miss the train for sure.

The vehicle we used was in good condition. My friend chose to sit on the lower floor, which was fantastic because it was spacious with eight seats. It was private and allowed for full leg extension. The seats were adjustable, and although there were no massage seats or headphones like in luxury cars, they were still good and worth the price. We could even store our bags in there, which was great.

The bus departed from Mo Chit at 8:40 PM, gradually moving forward. Each passenger had a different destination, but what they all had in common was that their hearts had already arrived. (According to the schedule, it should arrive in Nong Khai at 6:40 AM. Let's see what time it actually arrives.)

Snacks, water, and coffee are provided (but there is no hot water to make coffee in the morning, so why bother? When asked, they said there was none today. Is that okay?)

00:57 AM. We stopped for a bite to eat. We opted for rice porridge, which was a small portion but better than nothing. Oh well, the price was right.

Slept for a long time. ZZzzzz ...... It's morning already. It's almost time. I'm so sore. T_T

8:38 AM arrived at Nong Khai Bus Terminal. Oh my god! (12 hours) It was 2 hours late. Moreover, the first bus to Vientiane had already left. Oh no!

Upon arrival at Nong Khai Bus Terminal, you may be approached by individuals offering rides. It is crucial to avoid engaging with them. Instead, proceed to the ticket booth, where you will find affordable and reliable transportation options.

I inquired about tickets to Vang Vieng (in case anyone missed the bus, haha) and was told they were sold out (if boarding from here, it would only cost 270 baht). So I switched to buying a ticket to Vientiane instead (using a passport when purchasing). The bus runs six times a day (as shown in the picture).

I had almost an hour to spare, so I found a delicious and affordable place to eat nearby. (It was my last chance to enjoy cheap food, haha!)


The price of a Skylab car to the checkpoint (5 kilometers) is 80 baht per person. If there are 3 people, the price is 60 baht per person. It's expensive. You also have to buy a ticket to cross the bridge for 20 baht. To get to the morning market, you have to take a car. If you're not in a hurry, don't go. It's too expensive.

9:35 AM. The bus has arrived. It is from Laos.

The seats are clean and comfortable, with clearly marked numbers. Please sit according to your assigned seat.

Upon departure, the Lao female staff will distribute immigration forms for entry and exit. Please fill them out promptly (bring your own pen for efficiency). Failure to do so will cause delays and inconvenience to your fellow passengers. (Note: The journey from the bus terminal to the Thai border takes no more than 15 minutes. If you are unable to complete the forms in time, you may fill out the entry form first and complete the exit form on your return trip.)

He finished walking and got into the same car (remember the license plate and the car).


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For those starting at the checkpoint, after clearing Thai immigration, purchase a 20 baht bridge crossing ticket and board the waiting vehicle in front.

The vehicle will resemble this. It's a non-air-conditioned bus (the ride is so short, you won't even have time to finish a fart before you arrive. Relax and enjoy the ride).


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Then, cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 1.


Within minutes, you will reach the Laotian checkpoint. Expect a large crowd. Proceed to the passport control queue first, as it takes longer. The officers will collect your arrival card and tear off the departure card (keep it for your return trip). They will take your photo and stamp your passport.

While waiting in line, I unexpectedly encountered the celebrity, Pa Kesorn. ♥


Then, purchase a ONE WAY TICKET (similar to our BTS) for 1,000 kip (5 baht) on weekdays and 12,000 kip (50 baht) on weekends.

After inserting the card, the process is similar to boarding a train in our country. Just make sure you enter the correct lane.

Upon exiting the airport, it's time to exchange currency for Lao Kip and purchase a SIM card with internet access. For 100 Baht, you can get 1 GB of data, which is valid for 5 days. It's a worthwhile investment, especially in case of emergencies. With internet access, you can make calls and send messages via LINE, or even upload stunning photos to Facebook. Don't hesitate, it's a steal!

Before exchanging Kip, calculate the amount you will need carefully. Paying in Kip is more economical than paying in Thai Baht. Today, the three of us went for four days and exchanged 8,000 Thai Baht first. If it is not enough, we can exchange more or pay in Thai Baht.


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Getting to Vang Vieng from Vientiane

Note: This information is not relevant to the current date (2023-11-21) and may be outdated.

If you are traveling independently:

  • You can find a group of people at the bus station and share a van to Vang Vieng. Negotiate the price directly with the van drivers.
  • Alternatively, take bus number 14 to the morning market and then transfer to bus number 8 to the Northern Bus Station. From there, you can purchase a van ticket to Vang Vieng.


Let's continue with our story. Once everyone was present, we took a car ride for about 40 minutes. I forgot to ask the driver where we were going, so I don't know where we got off.

Upon exiting the vehicle, we were swarmed by individuals inquiring about our destination. Upon mentioning Vang Vieng, they immediately directed us towards their services, as there were numerous individuals heading in the same direction. We encountered 15 individuals sharing our fate, with varying prices quoted by different groups. Some groups stated 300-350 baht, while others mentioned 80,000 kip. Our group was discreetly offered a price of 320 baht, which we accepted. (Initially, we intended to walk to catch bus route 8 to the northern bus terminal, but upon encountering these individuals, we were persuaded to join their group.)


We were then loaded onto a car and taken a short distance to transfer to a van, where 15 of us were crammed in. It was a tight fit. Once we were all in, they charged us 350 baht each (90,000 kip). We were shocked. Some people said they were told it was 80,000 kip, but we were told it was 320 baht.

The driver refused to budge, insisting on the 90,000 kip fare. Our initial pleasantries were met with a stern expression and the question, "Who told you that?" None of us could recall the informer's face, as the driver had whisked us away in his van. Pointing out the culprit was impossible. Frustrated, we had no choice but to pay the inflated price. (The van driver charged us 200 baht each, while the others got away with 150 baht for free. Quite a hefty markup!)

The journey took almost 2.30 hours by car. We stopped at a gas station to have a light meal to satisfy our hunger.

The distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is only 157-160 kilometers, but the road is not very good, with many curves and hills. It took us 5 hours to reach Vang Vieng, which made us feel dizzy. If you get carsick, be sure to take motion sickness medication beforehand, or you will feel terrible.


At 5:00 PM, we arrived at the hotel and checked in. However, the room we had booked for three people was unavailable. The tourists refused to leave, so the hotel upgraded us to two rooms with two beds each on the third floor. The rooms offered a clear view.

The first night, we had to sleep in a different room than the one we booked. We complained, but we accepted it because we made a profit.


The room was decent, no need to fight for the bathroom, and the view was amazing. It was worth the price. (The room comes with towels and soap, but no TV or refrigerator. Drinking water, coffee, and bananas are available for free all day, but you have to go downstairs to get them.)


Front balcony

The common room is a space for relaxation and leisure activities, including sitting and lying down.

Put your luggage away, wash your face and eyes, and come down to see the tour for tomorrow. We had already looked at the tour program before coming here. Here, they sell it for 160,000 kip, which is very expensive. **Please be warned not to book tours with the hotel anywhere. Go and find them yourself at the tour shops. There are many of them, piled up along the road, and the prices will be cheaper. The same goes for the return trip. Book through the hotel for 350 baht, book through the tour for 200 baht, and they will pick you up at the hotel.**


After walking for a while, we came across the Nam Tip Tour shop (which we had read good reviews about). We went in to inquire and were not disappointed. They offered the one-day trip we were looking for (minus the zipline, which we were afraid of). The price was 120,000 kip, which we paid right away. Then we went to find something to eat.

Please hurry, or you won't make it.

When visiting Laos, don't miss the delicious papaya salad and sun-dried pork. They are incredibly flavorful (probably due to the generous use of "nัว" seasoning).

After dinner, I planned to go to a bar, but it was raining heavily, the power went out, and I had a headache. So I decided to go back to my hotel room and sleep. I was exhausted from the 21-hour journey. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell into a deep sleep.

First morning in Vang Vieng

The accommodation does not offer breakfast, but this is not a problem as there is a morning market within walking distance.

Local residents will bring a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and fish to sell along both sides of the road.

I came across this stall and initially thought it was selling piglets. However, upon inquiring, I learned that they were actually moles. It was quite a pitiful sight.

Early risers can offer alms to monks.

Fuel up before your 8:30 AM tour: "An army marches on its stomach."

(Before the tour, I informed the staff that I needed to move rooms so I could pack my belongings. However, the staff member, who was Chinese and had limited understanding of Thai, only nodded in response. As the person responsible for booking was still asleep, I was unable to move rooms and had to leave my belongings behind.)

Full-Day Tour Program (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) (Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation)

Tour Itinerary: 120,000 Kip (450 Baht)

Included Activities:

  1. Tham Chang (Elephant Cave): Explore the stunning natural formations of this iconic cave.
  2. Scenic Rice Paddy Walk: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Lao countryside as you stroll through lush rice fields.
  3. Tham Nam (Water Cave): Enjoy a thrilling adventure by tubing through the refreshing waters of this cave.
  4. Lunch: Replenish your energy with a delicious and authentic Lao meal.
  5. Kayaking: Embark on an 8-kilometer kayaking journey, paddling through serene waters and admiring the surrounding landscapes.
  6. Blue Lagoon 1: Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of this picturesque lagoon.


1. Tham Chang: Briefly stop to pay respects at the temple and take photos of the elephant-shaped rock formation (5-10 minutes).



2. Walking through the rice fields, which are currently at their most beautiful, is a refreshing experience.


Done and dusted ^_^

The trail was enjoyable, with some climbing and other obstacles.

Upon reaching the water's edge, officials will request that you leave your belongings behind (they will be looked after). You may bring your phone in a waterproof pouch, but you will be responsible for it. Everyone will be equipped with a headlamp, as the cave interior is extremely dark.

For those who wear glasses, don't worry, they will provide free eyeglass straps. Haha.

They each took a lifebuoy and walked away.

3. Entering the water cave on an inner tube.

The girl followed the rope. The water was very cold.


The cave entrance is guarded, and the interior boasts beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The water in the cave flows swiftly, with varying depths, creating a challenging environment. This reminds me of the 13 Wild Boars who were trapped in a similar cave.

After passing the shallow point, you have to walk. Overall, it was fun, and then you climb the rope back the same way.

Exiting the cave, wow! There are so many people waiting to enter. But which tour operator is this? So good, they even provide helmets! Awesome.

After exiting the cave, they returned the equipment and found food waiting for them.

4. Have lunch

And walk back the same way to the next activity.

5. Kayaking (8 kilometers)

The staff will provide kayaking instruction before you set off. If you are not experienced in kayaking, you can go with a guide. (If you cannot swim and have never kayaked before, it is highly recommended that you go with a guide.)

We did not go with a guide. We chose our own kayaks. Go for it! What are you afraid of? Oh, valuables should be put in a waterproof bag (if you don't have one, the tour operator will lend you one). But it's best to bring as little as possible. It's recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and sunscreen because if you paddle around noon or in the afternoon, you'll come back very tanned.


The Song River has rapids in some sections. Whenever we let go of the paddle to take photos, the boat drifts into the forest several times. Haha.

Paddle for 40-50 minutes, stop at the water bar for 30 minutes, you can order anything to eat (but don't eat too much, the guide will call you soon, haha, don't order too much).

While waiting for the food, I took a walk to take pictures on the bridge.

It's time to move on.

This time, we have a new boat, not the old one. We thought any boat would do, but you were dead wrong!

We started paddling, and the boat felt strange, tilting constantly. I told my friend to sit up straight, and they said they were already sitting straight. After paddling for a while, the boat kept tilting, and when a motorboat passed by, water splashed into our boat. To make matters worse, it started raining, and the water in the boat increased even more.

The more they paddled, the harder it became. As they navigated through the turbulent waters, the boat nearly capsized several times. They had to constantly adjust the boat, their stomachs tightening with each surge. Exhausted, they shouted to their companions in the other boat that their vessel was in trouble and taking on water. The guide in the other boat instructed them to paddle to the nearby riverbank.

Fortunately, the last boat came to close the tail, so I informed the guide on the boat to help support the boat and go together. At this moment, I really hate the rapids. 555

The guide then removed the water from the boat, reaching the edge of the bank.

Two esteemed individuals

The boat was still taking on water even though it was capsized. It had to be lifted upright. Wow! It will take several more minutes for the water to drain out. No wonder the boat was listing from side to side. It must have been leaking.

After draining all the water, we paddled for another 10 minutes and reached our destination. Phew, that was close. I almost caused an accident for my friend. I took a deep breath and felt relieved.

We then continued driving for another 5 kilometers to our final destination.

Normally, there is dust all the way here, so bring a cloth to cover your nose. However, it has been raining all day today, so it is comfortable.

6. Blue Lagoon 1 (free entry, included in the tour price). Currently, there are Blue Lagoon 2 and 3, which are located further from Vang Vieng town. Kayaks are available for rent, and the lagoons are larger and less crowded.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a large crowd. We arrived late, and the water was likely cloudy. However, it was green, not blue.

Let's play in the water for a while, or else people will think we didn't come. Haha.

After playing, it's better to go sit in the car and play on the internet. *In my opinion, the Emerald Pool in Krabi or Erawan Waterfall in our country has much clearer water. Some pictures on social media are edited... (Actually, the water is not that green, but when you take pictures, it looks good on camera). But if you come here, you shouldn't miss it. 55

5:00 PM. Tour ends. Transfer back to the hotel. Shower, change clothes, and find something to eat. Very hungry.

I'll have dinner at the same restaurant tonight because I loved the sun-dried pork, papaya salad, and northern Thai sausage. Let me tell you, it was delicious!

Must have used a lot of energy. Today's meal cost almost 200,000 baht. We are truly rich.

Full and satisfied but feeling unwell. We had shoulder and arm pain, while our friend had a headache. We decided to get a massage, while our friend returned to the room to rest. Upon returning to the room, the staff member who had taken our reservation informed us that if we wanted to continue staying, we would need to pay an additional 100,000 kip. Our friend then packed their belongings and moved to the room we had booked through Booking.com. The room we had booked was a triple room located on the ground floor.


The room is a bit messy because my friend moved out in a hurry and stuffed everything in, fearing a loss of 100,000 kip.

After spending some time relaxing and browsing the internet, we looked at each other. We were in Vang Vieng, so we had to experience the nightlife. We were curious about what young people do here at night.

It is highly recommended to visit the famous Sakura Bar (I was so impressed that I went there two nights in a row!).

Every night from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, there is a free drink period. Enjoy free drinks!


The crowd was sparse in the early evening, but it grew denser as the night progressed. The atmosphere was lively, with many people enjoying watching foreigners dance.

Tonight, the party is wild with both liquor and beer flowing freely.

Good evening. It's been a while since I've been to a bar. It's good, much better than in Thailand. It's cheap and good. If anyone comes, don't miss it.

The next morning, after moving rooms in the dark the night before, I opened the curtains and almost screamed.

The view from the room is stunning, even more beautiful than yesterday's room. However, it is slightly lower.


This morning, there's no need to rush. Let's take a leisurely stroll instead.

Along the Song River

Refreshing and beautiful morning.

Unfortunately, the room is full and we are unable to accommodate your reservation.

After a late checkout, we moved to a new accommodation for our last day. We splurged on a place with a beautiful view (we initially thought the first place wouldn't be good, so we only booked two nights, which we now regret).

New Accommodation, Short Distance

The new accommodation is conveniently located just 100 meters from the previous one, a mere 5-minute walk. We passed by the hotel every day, leaving our luggage there before heading to the tour agency to book our return van. Afterwards, we rented bicycles and enjoyed a leisurely ride.

We asked several bike rental shops, the first one quoted 25,000 kip/day, but this shop offered 15,000 kip/day, so we rented two bikes and cycled to Tham Jang Cave.

The scenic bike ride offered stunning views, with occasional challenging inclines. We persevered and reached our destination, paying a 2,000 kip fee per person to cross the bridge.

The vibrant orange bridge harmonizes perfectly with the verdant green mountains.

The place was beautiful and crowded, but after a while, it started raining, and the tourists all ran for cover.

Stranded by the rain, but not bored, because the view and the fog are very beautiful.

After that, I cycled back to the hotel and changed restaurants for dinner. I went to Sakura Restaurant, which is located opposite the Amari Hotel. The seating was good, the food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable.

The pho bowl was surprisingly large. I thought it would be small, so I ordered two bowls. I ended up with leftovers.

The pizza here is delicious and cheaper than in Thailand by 30,000 kip, which is only 120 Thai baht.

"With a full stomach, we called over the young waitress to ask about nightlife spots. She enthusiastically recommended Viva Pub, her eyes sparkling with excitement (so cute!). We chatted for a while, and I was sad to learn that if we stayed another night, there would be a riverside bar open for reservations with dancing all night long. What a shame!"

I visited the Sakura Bar again. I've been here before, haha. I'm going to make the most of it and then go to bed. I have to go home tomorrow. ZZZzzzz

The last morning in Vang Vieng


Our room is on the 3rd floor, room 309. Luckily, it's a corner room with a stunning view. It's also next to the entertainment room, so we can enjoy drinks and snacks there. (The mezzanine floor is currently closed for safety reasons.)


The beautiful view in front is Champalav Bungalow, which cannot be booked. It's still good to see it.


This hotel, Mountainview Riverside Boutique Hotel, requires guests to remove their shoes before entering the building. This policy helps to keep the hotel clean.

Another balloon has arrived.

Translation:

7:00 AM - Went down for breakfast (not delicious, ate street food like rice porridge and rice soup, which were tastier). It was worth it for the view.

Check out and wait for the van to pick us up at 8:40 AM. We will pick up everyone until 9:00 AM sharp. Then, we will travel to Vientiane.

On the way, I was anxious about whether I would make it to the plane on time (I was nervous because I had never been there before, I was afraid of traffic jams, and I was afraid of this and that). I kept looking at my watch.

And then it happened... the car got a flat tire T_T Adding more excitement to my day, as if I didn't have enough time already.

We stopped for a break, just like on the way here. When we got off at the stadium, we were treated like celebrities, with people swarming around us. We were in a hurry, so we had to hire a car to take us to the checkpoint. It was a nerve-wracking experience because of the traffic.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, exchange your money back. Proceed with the Lao immigration procedures. You will need to purchase a ticket to cross the bridge. Wait for a car to pick you up. Once you reach the Thai immigration checkpoint, there will be many taxis waiting. Do not pay attention to them. Walk out and you will find the Udon Kaew Tour van parked there.

We arrived at 2:40 PM sharp. We quickly grabbed our bags and boarded the bus, which departed at 2:45 PM. The bus runs on a schedule that corresponds to flight arrival times.

This round, I will arrive at the airport at 4:00 PM. I am relieved because I need to allow time to check my luggage.

Upon arrival at the airport, hunger pangs set in. Seeking an economical option, I opted for a 30-baht cup of instant noodles, a more affordable choice compared to many other airport offerings.

Farewell Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, we will be back again.

With careful planning, you can easily travel to Laos on a budget of 4,000 baht. Look for flight deals and book your bus tickets from Udon Thani to Vang Vieng in advance. Consider staying at a more affordable accommodation for your last night. This way, you can enjoy an international trip without breaking the bank.

**Additional information 4/11/18: We booked our accommodation through Booking.com using a "refer-a-friend" promotion. The person who booked received a 550 baht refund, and the person who referred them received a 550 baht refund, for a total refund of 1,100 baht. Therefore, the cost of the third night's accommodation was only 1,273.41 - 1,100 = 173.11 baht. Wow, that's super cheap!**


The total cost of the trip per person is 4889.67-366.67 = 4523 baht. This is a very affordable price.

#vang vieng#vang vieng#mountains, waterfalls, caves#laos#laos#laos
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